Traditional Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food
Pasta e fagioli, meaning "pasta and beans" in Italian, is a classic, rustic dish that's both incredibly comforting and surprisingly simple to make. This traditional recipe delivers a rich, flavorful broth brimming with tender beans and perfectly cooked pasta. It's the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- For the Sofrito:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Soup:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (or 1 ½ cups dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and cooked until tender)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of your choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Sofrito: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates the base of incredible flavor for your soup.
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Build the Soup's Flavor Profile: Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Add the Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the pasta.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the pasta e fagioli into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese. A crusty piece of bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious broth.
Tips for the Best Pasta e Fagioli:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your pasta e fagioli will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh herbs whenever possible.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced zucchini or spinach, to your soup.
- Make it your own: Add a splash of white wine or a bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.
- Leftovers are even better: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to develop further.
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This recipe provides a delicious and authentic taste of Italy, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!
